John Burton Allen

He was born on the 23rd of August 1946 in Houston, Texas, to Burton D. Allen and Maebelle Bean Allen, who both preceded John in death. He is survived by his wife Elaine Taylor Allen; sister Iris DeBow; nephew Greig DeBow and wife Michelle and children Jack and Morgan DeBow; niece Shannon Scolnick, husband Jeff and children Shaina and Jack; nephew Shane Donovan and wife Tami; Harold Sanders, who was a second father to John; many other family members and close friends and his beloved miniature schnauzers.

John grew up in the idyllic 1950’s and 1960’s and attended Jane Long Middle School and Bellaire High School. After college at the University of Houston, he worked for Foley’s in the Executive program as an Assistant Buyer in the Men’s and Children’s divisions. At Foley’s, he met his future wife and the love of his life, Elaine Taylor, and they were married in 1974. John’s retailing career included several years as a buyer at Palais Royal, followed by a successful sales career with various apparel manufacturers including Robert Bruce, Le Coq Sportif and Wilson Sports Apparel. After retirement, he achieved a lifelong dream and learned to play the piano. He loved old movies, followed the political scene and enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and family. An avid sailor and fisherman, John especially enjoyed spending time in the Coastal Bend area, especially in Rockport, Texas and nearby Goose Island.

John will be remembered for his sense of humor, his adventurous ways, his creativity and his soft-hearted nature. He will be missed.

The Celebration of John’s life is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, the 7th of June, in The Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent Grand Foyer.

In lieu of flowers and customary remembrances, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association, 10900-B Stonelake Blvd., Ste. 320, Austin, TX, 78759; or to one’s favorite charity.